Over the years there have been many rating rules. I include the likes of the International Rule, on which the meter classes developed as level rating classes, the RORC and CCA rules, leading onto IOR, CHS, IMS and the current crop of rules. That is just the internationally seen rules, there are many more around each country and even neighbouring clubs around the world. The vast majority rely on a single number scoring system. But several have tried multiple systems throughout the last 30 years. There have been some dramatic failures in this area, and some success.

The interesting thing is that most sailors are happy with the advantages of a single number, in knowing where you are on the virtual race course without having to consult your tablet and assume that the Race Committee is seeing the same information as you. Being able to cross the finish line and already know where on the score board you sit is always preferred. But some feel that the multiple scoring options give an additional level to the accuracy. This is something that we have continually monitored over the years to ensure that we give all competitors the full range of options they wish for. For example, there is a very simple calculation so that Race Committees can chose between time on time or time on distance scoring under IRC. We are currently asking whether event organisers want this printed on the certificate as well as the ToT default approach.

Following the successful inaugural IRC European Championship held at Volvo Cork Week in Ireland in July 2016, the Commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, Michael Boyd spoke about the new IRC European Championship at the Prize Giving: "I am very happy to announce that the 2017 IRC European Championship will be held in Marseille, France during the first two weeks of July and we will be there come what may. In 2018 the championship will be in Cowes, 2019 could be held in Scheveningen, Netherlands and we have an application from the Royal Cork to return in 2020, for their tricentenary, and we hope to respond very soon. Looking forward to Marseille, I would point out that the Royal Ocean Racing Club has strong links with French yachting, especially UNCL and we are sure that IRC European Championship in Marseille will be a superb event."